kcnychief said:
Thanks for all the tips. I have decided I'm going to send it to his local Police Department and let them handle it. I don't really feel like dealing with this.
Yeah, understandable. It's unfortunate, and also a bit unfair that this was dumped in your lap. And given that it's rather doubtful he listed the item as stolen (else Ebay might well have pulled the auction on grounds their site isn't for selling illegally obtained goods), there doesn't seem to be a way you could have known.
One thing is important, and that's protecting yourself from any possible action that could be taken. Afterall, you do have stolen merchandise in your posession, but innocently from the sound of it.
Actually, the more I think of it, the more I think this should not be sent back to the individual. He doesn't exactly have a legal claim to the item. I might be mistaken, but if anyone has a legal claim, it would be Dell. It was their item which was stolen. Now if it were me, and he didn't act like a grade A arsehole (and I had reason to believe he didn't know either), I would probably try to work something out so he wouldn't get screwed over either. But after what he pulled...
Contacting the police ASAP is a good move though, as it also clears you of question of wrong doing in the matter. You found out it was stolen, and then you took the necessary steps to notify the authorities on the whole matter. This done in a timely fashion would be responsible action on your part, and I'm not sure the law could expect more of you.
One piece of advise. Be up front, and totally honest wrt how this all transpired. You weren't the wrong doer, and the truth can indemnify you in this. Especially where evidence is readily at hand. Whatever they need (be it the item, a statement, whatever), be prepared to cooperate.
You might leave negative feedback, and mention the dealing in stolen merchandise. If he leaves negative feedback, be up front. If the authorities want the item (as evidence) let them confiscate it as such. If he leaves negative feedback, indicate it was found that he was selling stolen merchandise, and the item was turned over to the police at their request (if this is what happens).
If they don't, the next matter left would be whatever Dell's policy on this is. They do have a legal claim to the item, but I can't speak for Dell. Would they try to recover the item, would they come after you? Sorry, I can't say... They might want the item back, and if the authorities don't want it (perhaps the police should be asked what you should do with this), perhaps it should be sent to Dell.
Hopefully saz can get back to you on
1. Whether there is something in the way of formal indication (which would be acceptable in the eyes of the law) to indicate this was stolen, should you need this...
2. What their policy is when someone has rather innocently, and at the time unknowingly gotten ahold of stolen Dell merchandise. What they might do (legally or otherwise in trying to recover this stolen item) or if they would. And what you should do (from their standpoint) in this regard...
